The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) presented, on Wednesday morning (30), the "Brazil Situational Report: trafficking in persons in mixed migration flows, in particular Venezuelans" which was produced in the frameword of the TRACK4TIP initiative: "Transforming alerts into criminal justice responses to combat trafficking in persons in migration flows".
Implemented in partnership with the National Secretariat of Justice of the Ministry of Justice and Public Security of Brazil (MJSP/SENAJUS), the initiative is supported by the United States Department of State's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (J/TIP).
The report analyzed quantitative and qualitative data in order to better understand issues related to trafficking in persons and migration flows in Brazil. It consulted 136 professionals from 99 different institutions, covering 22 federative units of the country. Information is presented on the dynamics of the crime, the profile of the victims, and the response of the justice system in the country.
Main Findings
Personal vulnerabilities - The study also points out that being a member of the LGBTQI+ population is a factor that increases vulnerability to trafficking in persons in the context of mixed migration flows. According to the professionals interviewed, the groups most vulnerable to trafficking in persons, in this context, are: women, unaccompanied or separated children or adolescents; children and adolescents; and the LGBTQI+ population.
Contextual vulnerabilities - Based on the consultations carried out, the report warns that the lack of an occupation is the main contextual risk factor for the victimization of migrants and refugees to trafficking in persons, especially Venezuelans. In addition, other major risk factors include: lack of access to housing, food, information, and social assistance, education, and health services.
Sectors and purpose of exploitation - The publication highlights that the sectors of the formal or informal economy in which Venezuelans may be being exploited are mainly domestic work, agriculture and family farms, and the service sector.
Opening Session
According to the National Secretary of Justice, Claudio Panoeiro, "SENAJUS' partnership with UNODC is fundamental for the understanding of the reality about trafficking in persons in the country and for the formulation of public policies," he said.
For the Director of the UNODC Liaison and Partnership Office in Brazil, Elena Abbati, in recent years, a migration flow towards several countries in the region, including Brazil, has been observed and the need to better understand issues related to trafficking in persons in connection with these flows has been perceived. Understanding the phenomenon with evidence-based research and analysis is essential to address this growing problem.
"This situational report fits into that context, bringing information about the dynamics of the crime, the profile of the victims, and the response of the justice system," she stressed.
The political advisor of the United States Embassy in Brazil, Willard Smith, mentioned the importance of the work performed by UNODC in coordinating with national authorities on Human Trafficking.
Presentations
The Regional Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean of the TRACK4TIP Project, Gilberto Zuleta Ibarra, presented the project and its objectives, and UNODC's specialist on trafficking in persons, Heloísa Greco, presented the project main results.
About the TRACK4TIP Project
TRACK4TIP is a three-year initiative (2019-2022), implemented by UNODC, with the support of the United States Department of State, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons(J/TIP).
The project benefits eight countries in South America and the Caribbean, with national and regional actions in Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Curacao, and Aruba.
The overall objective of the project is to improve the regional criminal justice response to trafficking in persons in migration flows in the beneficiary countries through a multidisciplinary and victim-centered approach, and actions at the regional and national level to identify, prevent, and prosecute cases.
To learn more about the TRACK4TIP project: https://www.unodc.org/lpo-brazil/pt/trafico-de-pessoas/track4tip.html
View the fact sheet with key data from the report here.
Read the full report here.
Learn More: http://www.agenda2030.com.br/
